Public Affairs Section

Public Affairs Section

The mission of the Public Affairs Section (PAS) is to explain and advocate U.S. policy, act as a focal point for media and cultural relations, and advise the U.S. Mission to Rwanda on issues of public diplomacy. It also works closely with other sections of the American Embassy and Rwandan organizations to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries. PAS responsibilities can be divided into two distinct categories: Media Affairs and Cultural/Educational Affairs.

Media Affairs

The Media Affairs section is responsible for working closely with Rwandan print, broadcast, and electronic media.  PAS provides press releases, policy statements, and texts of official speeches as well as information on a variety of topics including American politics, culture, business & trade, and education.

Press inquiries should all be directed to the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) at the Public Affairs Section.

Cultural and Educational Affairs

The Cultural and Educational Affairs section is responsible for increasing understanding of American society and culture and for promoting cultural and educational ties between the U.S. and Rwanda.  PAS works closely with a number of Rwandan institutions to organize lectures, exhibits, workshops and performances by American academics, writers and artists.

In addition, PAS promotes education and studying in the U.S. through its management of the J. William Fulbright Program as well as professional exchange programs such as the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP). Furthermore, the U.S. Embassy employs an EducationUSA advisor to assist students who aspire to study in the United States, and offers a collection of study guides for standardized tests including TOEFL, GRE, and SAT in the Information Resource Center (IRC).

The IRC is a library located in the U.S. Embassy and is a useful source of updated information on the United States. It is open to the general public, and offers a range of electronic and print resources, as well as a number of programs and services to encourage English language learning and to promote exchanges of culture and information.